Dual task interference on gait performance in individuals with Parkinson Disease

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Performing dual tasks simultaneously requires the ability to focus attention and perform two activities at the same time. In individuals with Parkinson's disease, the interferences may be greater, as these individuals require a major degree of attention just to perform a single task, as in this case, walking. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the interference of dual task in the gait of PD individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational cross-sectional study with a prospective structure of a quantitative nature. Five individuals with Parkinson Disease, of both gender, participated in the experimental group; five healthy individuals were part of the control group. The participants had their gait assessed with and without cognitive interference, using: Berg's Balance Scale; Dynamic Gait Index; functional mobility test (Time Up and Go Test), Treadmill gait and Stroop Test adapted for illiterates. RESULTS: When comparing the Experimental Group and the Control Group, statistically significant differences were found in the gait conditions with dual task interference (Dual Task Number and Dual Task Color) in the variables of number of correct answers and range of motion. CONCLUSION: The dual task in PD patients mainly interferes with cognitive function, while the motor function of gait remains partially preserved.